RU2698478C2 - Electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: physics.

SUBSTANCE: present invention relates to a method of removing a connecting element and a unit of an electrophotographic light-sensitive drum, used for a process cartridge installed with possibility of removal into the main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming device. Disclosed electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit comprises: (a) cylinder having light-sensitive layer on its outer periphery, (b) a drum flange provided at one end of said cylinder, (c) a coupling member engaged with said drum flange such that the axis of said connecting member is inclined relative to the axis of said drum flange, and (d) a control portion provided on said drum flange so as to prevent disengagement of said connecting member with said drum flange, wherein at least one element of said connecting element and said control part is configured to be deformed to allow coupling of said connecting element with said drum flange or disengage them.

EFFECT: technical result achieved from the implementation of the declared group of inventions is the development of an easily feasible method of removing a connector, as well as in development of electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit, in which removal of connecting element is easy to implement, and in development of electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit, in which installation of connecting element is easy to implement.

7 cl, 34 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit used for a process cartridge that is removably mounted in a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Moreover, in the present invention, the process cartridge contains at least one of the reels of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developing means as a processing means driven by a drum, a cleaning means and a charging means as a unit. And this cartridge is installed with the possibility of removal in the main node of the electrophotographic image forming device.

In addition, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on the information recording material by means of an electrophotographic type process. Examples of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus are an electrophotographic photocopier, an electrophotographic printer (a printer using light emitting diodes (LEDs), a laser printer), a facsimile device, an office-type encoding device, and the like.

In addition, the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, with the exception of the process cartridge, is part of this electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

State of the art

In a known electrophotographic image forming apparatus that uses an electrophotographic image forming process, a drum of an electrophotographic photosensitive member and processing means driven on an electrophotographic drum with a photosensitive surface layer are combined into a block cartridge. And this cartridge is installed with the possibility of removal in the main node of an electrophotographic image forming device of the type that involves the use of a technological cartridge.

According to this type of process cartridge, the maintenance of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus can be carried out by the user himself, without relying on a representative of the maintenance personnel, and therefore, the performance of the maintenance is significantly improved.

In addition, in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, image formation takes place on material for recording information using a developer. The developer contained in the developer accommodating portion is consumed when the process cartridge having the developing means repeats image formation.

Simple disassembling and re-manufacturing methods are desirable in order to make the process cartridge useful again, from which the developer is used up to such an extent that image formation, the quality of which can satisfy the user, is not possible. An example of such a method is described in US patent No. 6643482.

An easily practicable method of assembling a process cartridge is desirable.

This invention represents a further development of the above-described known technical solutions.

Disclosure of invention

Accordingly, the main objective of the present invention is to develop an easily feasible method of removing the connecting element.

Another objective of the present invention is to develop an electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit in which the removal of the connecting element is easily feasible.

An additional objective of the present invention is to develop an electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit in which installation of a connecting element is easily feasible.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an Electrophotographic Photosensitive Drum Unit, comprising: (a) a cylinder having a photosensitive layer at its outer periphery; and (b) a drum flange provided at one end of said cylinder, said drum flange including: (i) a plurality of protrusions provided inside said drum flange and protruding radially inward from the drum flange, with a gap between said protrusions diametrically around said drum flange; (ii) a recess provided in a position radially outward from the innermost portion of said protrusions.

The portion of each protrusion preferably has an overhang.

Preferably, another gap may be formed between the regulatory sections along the circumferential direction of said drum flange.

Preferably, a plurality of such recesses are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction.

Said drum flange is preferably made of resin.

Said block may also comprise a gear portion provided along an outer surface of said drum flange, wherein protrusions are provided in the same position as said gear portion with respect to a longitudinal direction of said cylinder.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for removing a connecting member for removing from a flange of a drum mounted on an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a connecting member for transmitting a rotational force to a flange of a drum for rotating an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, said method comprising:

(i) a tilting step in which the connecting element is tilted relative to the axis of rotation of the drum flange, the connecting element including a rear end portion supported in the drum flange, which has a spherical part and a finger passing through the spherical part, and a free end part, which has a rotational force receiving part for receiving a rotational force;

(ii) a step of forced movement of the finger, in which the finger is pushed from one end to the other end thereof, said one end and the other end of the finger protruding outward from the spherical part in a state in which the connecting element is inclined at the said inclination step, wherein the drum flange has a preventive part to prevent uncoupling of the spherical part with the drum flange, and an outer part provided outside the preventive part in the direction of the axis of rotation of the flange;

 (iii) the step of advancing the finger, at which a part of the finger is forced, the additional protrusion of which at the end is ensured by the said stage of forced movement, to advance along the said outer part; and

(iv) the step of removing the connecting element, which removes the connecting element from the flange of the drum by applying force to the free end portion of the connecting element towards the center of the hinge, and which is part of the finger moving on the outside.

An aspect of the present invention is also a method for removing a connecting member for removing from a flange of a drum mounted on an electrophotographic photosensitive drum used with a process cartridge that is removably mounted to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a connecting member for receiving a rotational force for rotation Electrophotographic photosensitive drum, from the main unit of the device with a state in which the process cartridge is installed in the main assembly of the device, said method comprising: (i) a tilting step in which the connecting element is tilted with respect to the axis of rotation of the drum flange, the connecting element including a rotational force sensing element having a free end part the rotational force sensing part for receiving the rotational force, a spherical part mounted on the rear axle part of the rotational force sensing element due to passing through ltsa; (ii) a step of involuntarily moving a finger, wherein the finger is pushed from one end to the other end thereof, said one and the other ends of the finger protruding from the spherical part in a state in which the connecting element is tilted by said tilting step; while along the inner part of the drum flange there is a regulating part with a gap between the spherical part and the regulating part, there are configurations that are closer to the spherical surface of the free end part than the plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and which passes through the center of the spherical surface, and wherein said regulating part includes a first surface extending from the regulating part in the direction from an integral element to the free end part relative to the longitudinal direction, and a second surface bent from the first surface extending from the regulating part in the direction from the connecting element to the free end part relative to the longitudinal direction; (iii) the step of advancing the finger, at which a part of the finger is forced, the additional protrusion of which at the end is ensured by the said step of forced movement, to move along the second surface; and (iv) a step for removing the connecting member, wherein the connecting member is removed from the drum flange by applying force to the free end portion of the connecting member toward the center of the hinge and which is part of the finger moving along the second surface.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for removing a connecting member for removing from a flange of a drum mounted on an electrophotographic photosensitive drum used with a process cartridge that can be mounted to remove an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a connecting member for sensing a rotational force designed to rotate an electrophotographic photosensitive drum from the main a device assembly in a state in which the process cartridge is installed in the main device assembly, the connecting element including a rotational force sensing element having a rotational force sensing part in the free end portion, a rotational force sensing part, a polymer spherical part mounted on the rear end part of the receiving the rotational force of the element due to passing through the finger, while the said connecting element is mounted on the drum flange mounted on one end an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, by means of a polymer regulating part, which is provided inside the drum flange and which protrudes inward relative to the radial direction of the drum flange, with a gap between the spherical part and the regulating part, said method comprising: (i) a pickup step in which the sensing is captured rotational force element of the connecting element; (ii) the step of removing the connecting element, which removes the connecting element — its polymer spherical part — from the polymer regulating part, while deforming at least one of the polymer regulating part and the polymer spherical part by applying a force to the free end part of the connecting element in the state in which the rotational force receiving element is captured by said gripping step.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of mounting a connecting member for mounting on a drum flange mounted on an electrophotographic photosensitive drum used with a process cartridge that can be mounted to remove an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a connecting member for sensing a rotational force designed to rotate an electrophotographic photosensitive drum from the main assembly of the device in a state in which the process cartridge is installed in the main assembly of the device, the connecting element includes a rotational force sensing element having a rotational force sensing part in the free end portion for receiving a rotational force, a polymer spherical part mounted on the rear end part receiving the rotational force of the element due to passing through the finger, while the said connecting element is mounted on a drum flange mounted on one end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, using the polymer regulatory part, which is provided inside the drum flange and which protrudes inward relative to the radial direction of the drum flange, with a gap between the spherical part and the regulating part, said method comprising: the step of installing a connecting element on which to install the polymer spherical part of the connecting element into a polymer regulatory part, while deforming at least one of the polymer first regulation portion and the polymer spherical part by pushing it longitudinally inside the electrophotographic photosensitive drum.

In accordance with an additional aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit in which a connecting element is mounted, said connecting element including a rotational force sensing element for sensing, from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a rotational force for rotation electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a spherical part mounted on the rear end the Central part of the receiving rotational force of the element due to passing through the finger, wherein said electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit comprises a cylinder having a photosensitive layer on its outer periphery, and a drum flange provided at one end of said cylinder, said drum flange including: polymer regulating parts provided inside said drum flange and protruding radially inward from the drum flange, wherein said reg the incriminating parts are actuated to control the movement of said spherical part in the longitudinal direction of said drum unit when said connecting element is installed therein; a recess provided in said regulatory portion in a position radially outward from said drum flange to facilitate deformation of said regulatory portion radially outward from said drum flange; and a plurality of rotational force sensing parts including a finger for receiving rotational force, said finger being provided between adjacent of said regulatory parts.

These and other objectives, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when considering the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a cross section of the main node and the process cartridge of the image forming apparatus in the embodiment.

Figure 2 presents an enlarged scale section of the cartridge.

Figure 3 shows a perspective image illustrating the design of the frame of the process cartridge.

Figure 4 presents a perspective image of the main node in a state in which the opening and closing door is open.

Figure 5 presents a perspective image of the drive shaft of the main node.

Figure 6 presents a perspective image of the free end portion of the connecting element.

7 is an illustration showing a state in which a connecting member and a drive shaft are connected to each other.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view illustrating a state in which a connecting member and a drive shaft are connected to each other.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a rotational force sensing member that is part of a connecting member.

Figure 10 presents a perspective image of a spherical part, which is an integral part of the connecting element.

11 shows a cross section of a connecting element.

On Fig presents a perspective image of the connecting element.

13 is an illustration of a drum flange.

On Fig presents a section drawn along the line S2-S2, shown in Fig.13.

Fig. 15 is a sectional view illustrating a process during which the rotational force receiving member is assembled into the drum flange, in section along the Sl-Sl line shown in Fig. 13.

On Fig presents a section illustrating the process during which the clutch is attached to the flange of the drum, in section along the line Sl-Sl, shown in Fig.13.

On Fig presents a perspective image of the block, in a view from the drive side.

On Fig presents a perspective image of the block, in a view from the non-drive side.

On Fig presents a perspective image illustrating the process of disassembling the block of the photosensitive element.

On Fig presents a perspective image illustrating the process of disassembling the block of the photosensitive element.

On Fig presents a perspective image illustrating the process of disassembling the block of the photosensitive element.

On Fig presents a perspective image illustrating the process of disassembling the block of the photosensitive element.

On Fig presents a cross section illustrating a method of removing the connecting element directly from the drum unit.

On Fig presents on an enlarged scale a frequent section of the part with the opening shown in Fig.23.

On Fig presents a cross section illustrating a method of removing the connecting element directly from the drum unit.

On Fig presents a section illustrating a method of removing the connecting element directly from the drum unit.

On Fig presents a cross section illustrating a method of removing the connecting element directly from the drum unit.

On Fig presents a perspective image, which is a spatial illustration of the state according to Fig.

On Fig presents a cross section illustrating a method of removing the connecting element directly from the drum unit.

On Fig presents a cross section illustrating a method of removing the connecting element directly from the drum unit.

On Fig presents a cross section illustrating a method of reassembling a drum unit.

Fig. 32 is a sectional view illustrating a method for reassembling a drum unit.

33 is a perspective view illustrating a method for disassembling a drum unit.

Fig. 34 is a perspective view illustrating a method for reassembling a drum unit.

The best way of carrying out the invention

With reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described. Function, material, configuration, positional relationships, etc. the elements described below are not limiting of this invention, unless otherwise specified. As for the material, configuration, etc. elements described once, they apply to subsequent descriptions, unless otherwise specified.

Option exercise

General layout

Figure 1 shows a cross section of the main node 1 of the image forming apparatus (main node) and the process cartridge 2 (cartridge) of the image forming apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the cartridge 2. Now, with reference to FIGS. 1-2, the general arrangement and image forming process of the image forming apparatus in accordance with this embodiment will be described.

This imaging device is a laser printer that uses the electrophotography method, and the cartridge 2 is installed with the possibility of removal in the main node 1. When the cartridge 2 is installed in the main node 1, in the upper part of the cartridge 2 is an exposure device 3 (laser scanner unit ) The lower part of the cartridge 2 is provided with a tray 4 for sheets containing material P for recording information (sheet material), which is the object on which the image is formed. The main assembly 1 is provided with a pick roller 5a, a feed roller 5b, a pair 5c of feed rollers, a transfer guide 6, a transfer roller 7, a feed guide 8, a fixing device 9, a pair 10 of exhaust rollers, a discharge tray 11 provided along the feed direction of the sheet material P, etc.

Imaging process

Now, the basic principle of the image forming process will be described. In response to the print start signal, the drum 20 of the electrophotographic photosensitive member (drum) rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow R1 at a predetermined peripheral speed (technological speed). The charging roller 12 (charging means, processing means) is contacted with the outer surface of the drum 20, to which a bias voltage is applied, and the outer surface of the drum 20 is uniformly charged with this charging roller 12.

From the exposure device 3, a laser beam L is output, modulated according to the serial electric digital signal of the image information pixel. The laser beam L enters the cartridge 2 through the exposure window 53 of the upper surface of the cartridge 2 to expose the outer surface of the drum 20 scanned by this laser beam. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to image information is formed on the outer surface of the drum 20. This electrostatic latent image is visualized to obtain an image developed by the toner using the developer T (toner) in the developing device unit 40.

The charging roller 12 is in contact with the drum 20 and electrically charges the drum 20. The charging roller 12 is rotated by the drum 20. The developing unit 40 supplies toner to the developing zone of the drum 20 to develop a latent image formed on the drum 20.

The developing device unit 40 supplies the toner T located in the toner chamber 45 to the toner supply chamber 44 by rotating the stirring member 43. The developing roller 41 (developing means, processing means), which is a developer bearing member comprising a magnetic roller 41a (permanent magnet ) rotates, and a toner layer formed triboelectrically charged by the developing knife 42 is formed on the surface of the developing roller 41. The toner is transferred to the drum 20 in accordance with the latent image, so that the electrostatic latent image The image is visualized to produce an image developed by the toner. The developing knife 42 applies a triboelectric charge by adjusting the amount of toner on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 41.

On the other hand, and in accordance with the timing of the output of the laser beam L, the sheet material P contained in the lower part of the main assembly 1 is fed from the sheet tray 4 by a pick roller 5a, a feed roller 5b and a pair 5c of feed rollers. The sheet material P is synchronized and fed into the transfer position between the drum 20 and the charge roller 7 for transfer along the transfer guide 6. In the transfer position, the image developed by the toner is sequentially transferred onto the sheet material P from the drum 20.

The sheet material P onto which the toner developed image is transferred is separated from the drum 20 and is supplied to the fixing device 9 via a supply guide 8. The sheet material P passes through the contact zone formed between the fixing roller 9a and the pressure roller 9b that make up the fixing device 9 This material is exposed to the fixing process by applying pressure and heating in the contact zone, so that the image developed by the toner is fixed on the sheet material P. The sheet material P, subjected to the process of fixing the image for the image shown by the toner, is fed to a pair of 10 exhaust rollers and is released into the exhaust tray 11.

On the other hand, the residual toner on the outer surface of the drum 20 is removed by a cleaning knife 52 (cleaning means, processing means) after transfer, and the drum 20 is used for the next image forming operation, which begins with the electric charging operation. The waste toner removed from the drum 20 is stored in the waste toner chamber 52a of the photosensitive member 50.

Charging roller 12, developing roller 41, cleaning knife 52, and the like. are processing means driven on the drum 20, respectively.

Process cartridge frame design

Figure 3 presents a perspective image illustrating the design of the frame of the cartridge 2.

The design of the frame of the cartridge 2 will be described with reference to figure 2 and figure 3.

As shown in FIG. 2, the drum 20, the charging roller 12, and the cleaning knife 52 are mounted on the drum frame 51, forming a single unit 50 of the photosensitive drum.

On the other hand, the developing device unit 40 is constituted by a toner chamber 45 which contains the toner, and a toner-containing chamber 40a, which forms the toner supply chamber 44, and the lid 40b.

The toner holding chamber 40a and the lid 40b are integrally connected to each other by a means such as welding.

As shown in FIG. 3, the free end of the lever portion 55a formed on the side cover 55 provided at each end with respect to a longitudinal direction (axial direction of the developing roller 41) of the developing device unit 40 is provided with a circular rotation hole 55b made parallel to the developing roller 41 .

The drum frame 51 has an engagement hole 51a for receiving a coupling member 54 coaxial with the rotation hole 55b when the lever portion 55a is inserted in a predetermined position of the drum frame 51.

The photosensitive member unit 50 and the developing device unit 40 are rotatably connected to each other by the connection member 54 by inserting the connection member 54 through both openings — rotation holes 55b and the coupling hole 51a. In this case, the compression coil spring 46 mounted on the base part of the lever portion 55a abuts against the drum frame 51, pressing the developing device unit 40 downward.

Due to this, the developing roller 41 (figure 2) is firmly pressed against the drum 20.

Spacer elements (not shown) are installed at opposite ends of the developing roller 41, so that the developing roller is supported at predetermined intervals from the drum 20.

Method for transmitting rotational force to a process cartridge

Figure 4 presents a perspective image of the inner part of the main node with the open door 140 for the cartridge (the door of the main node). Cartridge 2 is not installed.

Now, with reference to FIG. 4, a method of transmitting a rotational force to the cartridge 2 will be described.

As shown in figure 4, in the main node 1 is provided with a rail rail 130 for installing and removing a cartridge, and the cartridge 2 is installed inside the main node 1 along this rail rail 130.

In this case, the drive shaft 100 of the main assembly 1 and the connecting member 150 (FIG. 3) as the rotational force transmitting part of the cartridge 2 are connected to each other in conjunction with the installation operation of the cartridge 2.

Due to this, the drum 20 receives from the main node 1 a rotational force for rotation.

1) Drive shaft 100

Figure 5 presents a perspective image of the drive shaft 100 from the side of the main node.

The drive shaft 100 is connected to a drive transmission means, such as a gear not shown, provided in the main assembly 1, with a motor not shown.

The free end portion 100a of the drive shaft 100 has a substantially hemispherical shape and has rotational force transmitting fingers as the rotational force applying parts 100b.

2) Connecting element

In a state in which the cartridge 2 is removably mounted in the main assembly 1, the connecting member 156 has a function of sensing a rotational force from the main assembly to rotate the drum 20.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, this connecting member 156 has a rotational force sensing element 150, which has a rotational force sensing part 150e (150el-150e4) for receiving the rotational force in its free end portion.

In addition, it has a spherical part 160 (spherical element) mounted by passing through the finger 155 through the rear end part of the rotational force receiving element 150.

6 is a perspective view of a rotational force sensing member 150. The material of the connecting member 150 is a polymeric material such as polyacetal, polycarbonate and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or the like.

However, in order to increase the rigidity of the rotational force receiving member 150, it is possible to mix glass fibers, carbon fibers and / or similar fibers in the polymer material according to the required load in the form of a torque.

In the case when such material is mixed, it is possible to increase the rigidity of the rotational force receiving member 150.

The stiffness can be further increased by introducing the metal into the polymeric material, while the entire rotational force receiving element 150 can be made of metal, and the like.

The free end of the rotational force transmitting member 150 is provided with a plurality of drive sensing protrusions 150d (150d1-150d4).

In addition, the drive sensing protrusion 150d (150d1-150d4) is provided with a rotational force sensing portion 150e (150e1-150e4) inclined relative to the axis L150 of the rotational force sensing member 150.

In addition, a funnel-shaped surface 150f is provided within the drive-receiving protrusion 150d1-150d4.

3) The condition of the connection between the drive shaft 100 of the coupling element 156

7 is an illustration showing a state in which the rotational force sensing member 150 of the connecting member 156 and the drive shaft 100 are connected to each other. FIG. 8 is a sectional view illustrating a state in which the rotational force sensing member 150 and the drive shaft 100 are connected to each other.

Now, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the state of the connection between the drive shaft 100 and the rotational force receiving member 156 will be described.

The rotational force transmitting finger 100b of the drive shaft 100 is engaged with the rotational force sensing part 150e (150e1-150e4).

Although not shown in FIG. 7, the rotational force transmitting finger 100b on the rear side is also engaged with the rotational force sensing part 150e.

In addition, the free end portion 100a of the drive shaft 100 is in contact with the recess 150f of the rotational force receiving member 150. By rotating the drive shaft 100, the rotational force is transmitted to the rotational force receiving part 150e from the rotational force transmitting finger 100b.

Furthermore, due to the inclination of the rotational force sensing portion 150e with respect to the axis L150 of the rotational force sensing element 150, this rotational force sensing element 150 and the drive shaft 100 are pulled together, and there is guaranteed contact between the free end portion 100a and the recess 150f, so that guaranteed transmission of rotational force is achieved.

4) Connecting element 156 and connecting part

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a rotational force sensing member 150, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a spherical portion 160.

Figure 11 presents a cross section of the connecting element 156, and figure 12 presents a perspective image of the connecting element 156.

As shown in FIG. 9, the end of the side opposite the rotational force sensing portion 150 e of the rotational force sensing member 150 is provided with a through hole 150 r.

As shown in FIG. 10, the spherical portion 160 connected to the rotational force sensing element 150 is substantially spherical in shape and provided with the rotational force sensing element 150 and the finger receiving hole 155, as will be described later.

A hole 160a, closed at one end, receives the end 150s of the rotational force receiving member 150. The through hole 160b — together with the hole 160a — receives the finger 155, as will be described later.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the rotational force receiving member 150 is inserted into the spherical portion 160, and the pin 155 is inserted in a state in which the through hole 150 r and the through hole 160 b are aligned with each other.

In this embodiment, the rotational force sensing member 150 and the hole 160a are engaged in a sliding fit.

The finger 155 and the through hole 150r are engaged in a sliding fit.

The finger 155 and the through hole 160b are engaged in a press fit.

Accordingly, the finger 155 and the spherical part 160 are connected into a single whole.

The part provided by the connection between the rotational force receiving member 150 and the cylindrical part 160 is a connecting member 156.

When a rotational force is received from the drive shaft 100, the rotational force sensing member rotates about an axis L150, and the through hole 150r engages with the finger 155.

More specifically, the rotational force transmitted from the main assembly 1 is converted into a force for rotating the finger 155 about the axis of rotation L150 by the rotational force sensing member 150.

5) The transmission of rotational force to the drum 20 from the connecting element 156

13 is a view illustrating a drum flange 151, and FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along line S2-S2 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line S1-S1 shown in FIG. 13 illustrating a process during which the rotational force receiving member 150 is assembled into flange 151. FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along line S1-S1. 13 shown in FIG. 13 illustrating a process during which a rotational force receiving member 150 is secured to the flange 151.

On Fig presents a perspective image of the block 21 of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum (drum unit), in the view from the drive side (from the side receiving the rotational force of the element 150).

On Fig presents a schematic perspective view of the drum unit 21, in a view from the non-drive side (longitudinally opposite to the receiving rotational force of the element 150).

Now with reference to Fig.13 and Fig.14 will be described an example of a flange 151 of the drum (flange), which is installed receiving the rotational force element 150.

The flange 151, in the view from the side of the drive shaft 100, is shown in Fig.13.

The opening 151g (151g1-151g4) shown in FIG. 13 is a groove extending in the direction of the axis of rotation of the flange 151.

When the receiving rotary member 150 is mounted on the flange 151, the finger 155 is received by any two of these openings 151g1-151g4.

The clockwise upstream side of the openings 151g1-151g4 is provided with a rotational force transmitting surface (rotational force receiving part) 151h (151h1-151h4).

When the rotational force is transmitted to the flange 151 from the pin 155, this pin 155 and the rotational force transmitting surface 151h are in contact with each other.

In addition, a recess (cavity) 151f is provided near the central axis L151 of the flange 151. The recess 151f provides a cavity surrounded by a cylindrical surface 151j (151j1-151j4), a locking part 151i (151il-151i4), which is the regulating part, and an opening 151k (151k1-151k4). The cylindrical surface 151j (151j1-151j4) is a substantially cylindrical surface that is aligned with the axis l151 and which is adjacent to the opening 151g and has a diameter D151a.

The locking portion 151i (151i1-151i4) has a substantially hemispherical surface that extends smoothly with a cylindrical surface 151j and has a radius SR151.

The opening 151k (151k1-151k4) is located on the side of the locking part 151i facing the drive shaft 100 and has a diameter D151b.

More specifically, the opening 151k has a first surface of the regulating part, which extends from the locking part 151i (regulating part) and which extends in the direction from the connecting element 156 to the free end of the rotational force receiving element 150 relative to the longitudinal direction of the drum 20.

In addition, the ratio between them and the outer dimension D160 of the spherical element 160 is as follows (FIG. 14, FIG. 15):

D151b <D160 <D151a = 2 × SR15l.

Although the spherical element 160 can be inserted into the recess 151f with a gap G (Fig. 24), its movement to the opening 151k in the direction of the axis L151 is prevented.

Due to this prevention, the spherical member 160 (connecting member 156) is inseparable from the flange 151 (process cartridge 2) under normal conditions.

More specifically, the flange 151 is mounted on the end of the drum 20, and the connecting element 156 is mounted on the flange 151.

To install the connecting element 156, the flange 151 is provided with a regulating part (locking part 151i) extending along the inner peripheral surface of the flange 151. This regulating part (locking part 151i) has a gap G relative to the spherical part 160 and has a configuration that is closer to the configuration of the surface of the spherical part 160 of the rotational force receiving member 150 than a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the drum 20 and which passes through the center of the spherical part 160.

Now, with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the process of assembling the rotational force sensing member 150 to the flange 151 and attaching to it will be described. The end portion 150s is inserted in the direction of the arrow X1 into the flange 151.

Then, the spherical portion 160 is placed over the end portion 150s in the direction indicated by arrow X2.

In addition, the through holes 160b of the spherical portion 160 and the through hole 150r of the end portion 150s are aligned with each other, and then finger 155 is inserted into them in the direction of arrow X3.

The finger 155 is inserted through the through holes 160b and the through hole 150r.

Since the inner diameter of the through holes 160b and the through hole 150r is smaller than the diameter of the pin 155, a friction force arises between the finger 155 and the through holes 160b. In this embodiment, the interference fit is about 50 micrometers.

Due to this, during normal use, the deviation of the pin 155 is prevented, and the connecting element 150 is formed by the connection between the rotational force sensing element 150 and the spherical part 160.

In addition, the connecting member 156 moves in the X4 direction, and the spherical portion 160 comes into contact with or approaches the locking part 151i.

Then, the locking element 157 is inserted in the direction indicated by the arrow X4 and attached to the flange 151.

Since backlash (clearance) is provided for the spherical portion 160, the connecting member 156 may change orientation.

Now, with reference to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the structures of the drum unit 21 will be described.

A flange 151, which has a connecting element 156, is attached to the end side of the drum 20 so that the drive-receiving protrusion 150d is open from the outside.

In addition, the flange 152 of the drum on the non-drive side is attached to the other end side of the drum 20.

The fixing method can be crimping, gluing, welding, etc.

In a state in which the drive side of the drum unit 21 is supported by the support member 158 (FIG. 3, FIG. 19), and its non-drive side is rotatably supported by the finger supporting the drum unit 159 (FIG. 3), the drum unit 21 is supported rotation of the drum frame 51 (FIG. 3). As described above, a rotational force transmitted from an electric motor (not shown) of the main assembly 1 rotates the drive shaft 100 by means of a drive transmission means, such as a gear wheel (not shown) of the main assembly 1.

This rotational force is transmitted to the cartridge 2 through the rotational force sensing member 150 of the connecting member 156.

In addition, the rotational force is transmitted through the finger 155 from the rotational force sensing member 150 to the flange 151 via the finger 155 for applying a rotational force to the drum 20 attached to the flange 151 as a whole with it.

The outer periphery of the flange 151 is provided with a helical gear 151c formed as a unit with the flange 151.

This gear wheel 151c transmits the rotational force received from the drive shaft 100 by the rotational force sensing member 150 to the developing roller 41 (FIG. 2).

More specifically, the outer part opposite the locking part, which is the regulating 151i of the flange 151, is provided with a helical gear 151c, and this gear transfers the rotational force received from the main assembly 1 by the rotational force receiving part to the developing roller 41.

Cartridge Re-Manufacturing Method

In the cartridge 2 installed and used in the main assembly 1 of the device, the toner T contained in the toner chamber 45 is consumed when the image formation is repeated.

When the toner T is consumed to such an extent that image formation, the quality of which satisfies the user of the cartridge 2, is not possible, this leads to the loss of commercial value of the cartridge 2.

In view of this, for example, means are provided (not shown) for detecting the remaining amount of toner of the cartridge 2, and the control circuit of the main assembly (not shown) compares the detected remaining amount with a predetermined threshold for issuing a prediction of cartridge life and / or warning about cartridge life .

When the detected residual amount is less than the threshold, an indicator part (not shown) displays a life expectancy or a warning about the life of the cartridge 2.

Due to this, the user is able to prepare a replaceable cartridge 2, and as a result, the quality of the output images is maintained.

Used process cartridges 2 accumulate and conduct their cleaning, replacement of parts, etc., and also fill in fresh toner.

Due to this, re-manufacturing for reuse is carried out.

A method for re-manufacturing a used cartridge will now be described.

In this case, the cleaning is carried out, for example, by suction of air, blowing air, wet cleaning, wiping, etc.

(i) The step of separating the blocks from each other

When the connection member 54 that connects the photosensitive member unit 50 and the developing device unit 40 rotatable relative to each other is pulled out, the developing device unit 40 and the photosensitive member unit 50 are separated from each other (FIG. 3).

(ii) Dismantling, cleaning, replacing parts, reassembling the photosensitive member unit 50

Figs. 19-22 are perspective images illustrating disassembly processes of the photosensitive member unit 50.

After separating the block 50 of the photosensitive element and the block 40 of the developing device from each other, disassemble, clean, replace parts, reassemble the block 50 with a photosensitive surface layer.

These operations will be described below.

First, with reference to FIG. 19, disassembly of the protruding member 101 and the hold-down spring 102 will be described.

The shaft portion 101a of the protruding member 101 for shielding and protecting against light from the drum 20 is removed together with the compression spring 102 from the U-shaped support portion 51d of the drum frame 51.

Now, with reference to FIG. 20, a method of removing the drum unit 21 will be described.

The drum unit 21 is supported by a support member 158 and a finger 159 supporting the drum unit provided at respective ends of the photosensitive member unit 50 (drum frame 51).

When the finger 159 is pulled out, the non-drive side (the side with the finger) of the drum unit 21 is disengaged.

The non-drive side wall 51b of the drum frame 51 is opened longitudinally outward, and at the same time, the support member 158, mounted on the drive side wall 51c of the drum frame 51 as a unit with it, opens in the longitudinal direction outward on the drive side.

These directions are indicated by arrows in FIG.

Then, the drum unit 21 is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow X201 around the drive side of the drum unit 21.

It is rotated until the non-drive side drum flange 152 (Fig. 18) ceases to overlap with the non-drive side wall 51b with respect to the axial direction (arrow direction X202) of the drum unit 21, and then the drum unit 21 is easily pulled out in the direction indicated by the arrow X202.

Now, with reference to FIG. 21, the removal of the consumed toner and the removal of the charge roller 12 will be described.

When the drum unit 21 is removed, between the cleaning knife 52 and the waste toner sheet 56 mounted on the drum frame 51, an elongated opening 57 is formed to collect the used toner.

Due to this, the removal of the spent toner stored in the waste toner chamber 52a (FIG. 2) of the drum frame 51 can be achieved with the spent toner collection 57.

This removal is carried out, for example, by suction of air, its purge, wet cleaning, wiping.

To remove the charging roller 12, remove the roller shaft in the direction indicated by the arrow from the supports 13 of the charging roller on the side of the drum frame, which supports the opposite ends of the roller shaft.

In the state in which the charge roller 12 is removed, the used toner is removed, avoiding contamination of the charging roller 12 and damage to the charging roller 12 during this removal.

Removing the cleaning knife 52 is accomplished by removing the two screws 58 that secure the cleaning knife 52 to the drum frame 51.

(iii) Removing and disassembling connector 156 (1)

In this embodiment, the rotational force sensing member 150 and the pin 155 of the connecting member 156 are made of metal in order to achieve high image quality.

Since they are made of metal, the durability is excellent and reuse can be carried out, whereby it is desirable to remove and reuse them. In the method for removing the connecting member 156, the manufacturing method of the drum unit 21 described above is implemented in the reverse order.

In other words, the drum 20 is removed from the drum unit 21, and then the material 158 of the locking part (Fig. 16) is separated from the flange 151.

Then pull the finger 155 from the connecting element 156.

Due to this, the rotational force sensing element 150 and the spherical part 160 can be separated from each other.

The finger 155 and the rotational force sensing member 150 are reused at least once (not shown).

(iv) Removing and disassembling connector 156 (2)

As another method, it is possible to remove the connecting element 156 directly from the drum unit 21.

In this case, since the operation of separating the drum 20 and the locking member 157 from each other is optional, the operating efficiency is excellent.

A method for removing the connecting member 156 directly from the drum unit 21 will now be described.

On Fig presents a cross section illustrating a method of removing the connecting element 156 directly from the block 21 of the drum. This section is a section along the line S2-S2 shown in Fig.13.

On Fig presents a detailed view of the part with the aperture 151k (parts circled) shown in Fig. 23.

Since the flange 151 has a gear 151c, it is usually made of a polymeric material with high sliding ability, such as polyacetal.

Since the spherical portion 160 swings in the recess 151f in a similar manner, it is also made of polymer elements, for example polyacetal. More specifically, the spherical part 160 and the flange 151 (the regulating part indicated by 151S or the locking part 151i) are made of a polymer material.

As described above, the outer dimension D160 of the spherical portion 160 is larger than the diameter D151b of the opening 151k, and therefore, during use, the spherical portion 160 (connecting member 156) is usually not separated from the flange 151 (process cartridge 2).

The opening 151k continues with the locking part 151i and leans from the connecting element 156 (spherical part 160).

In more detail, in this embodiment, the difference between the outer dimension D160 of the spherical portion 160 and the diameter D151b of the opening 151k is approximately 0.4 mm. However, since the flange 151 and the spherical portion 160 are made of a polymer material, they are relatively easily deformed in accordance with an external force.

Therefore, they are deformed, as a result of which it is possible to transmit the spherical part 160.

Therefore, the connecting element 156 can be removed from the flange 151.

At first, elements that are not sensitive to the rotational force of the element 150, the drum unit 21, are held with a guarantee, i.e. drum 20 and flange 151.

Then, clamping the driven part 150a and the connecting part 150c, which have the rotational force receiving part 150e, by the clamping tool 201, such as pliers or tongs (corrugated means that uses the connecting part 150c in FIG. 23) (gripping step), it is possible pull them out in the direction (direction indicated by arrow X231) of the L150 axis.

Due to this, the spherical part 160 is in contact with the locking part 151i.

Furthermore, when the pulling force increases, the outer dimension D160 of the spherical part 160 decreases, so that the locking part 151i, the opening 151k, and the chamfered surface 151n of the flange 151 are deformed outward in the radial direction from the axis L151 of the flange 151 (the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 24) .

The tapered surface 151n of the flange 151 extends to the opening 151k and is inclined from the connecting element 156 to the free end side of the connecting element 156, which is on the side of the driven part relative to the axial direction L151.

The tapered surface 151n is part of a second surface of the regulating part 151S.

More specifically, the beveled surface 151n is inclined from the opening 151k, which is the first surface of the locking part 151i, which is the regulating part 151S, and extends from the connecting member 156 to the free end of the rotational force receiving member 150 relative to the longitudinal direction of the drum. In other words, the spherical part 160, the locking part of which is the regulating part 151S, which protrudes radially inward from the flange 151, defines the opening 151k and the limb of the beveled surface 151n, and at the time when the diameter D151b of the opening 151k and the outer dimension D160 of the spherical part 160 become the same , the connecting element 156 can be removed from the flange 151 (removal step).

The force required is approximately 9–11 kgf (88–108 N).

For the efficient use of the traction force, it is preferable to carry out a drawing operation in a state in which the axis L151 of the flange 151 and the axis L150 of the rotational force receiving member 150 are aligned with each other (positional relationship shown in FIG. 23).

The flexibility of the regulating part of the flange 151 (locking part 151i, the opening 151k, the chamfered surface 15In) depends on the recesses 151q1-8, which are in the outer positions in the radial direction of the drum flange 151, as can be seen from the regulating part 151S in Fig.13.

In more detail, when the recesses 151q are large, separation is easy, and when they are small, separation is difficult.

In this embodiment, the dimensional relationship is chosen so that during normal operation the retention function is effective and that during removal it can be carried out using the above-described force.

With this method, as described above, the connecting element 156 can be directly removed from the drum unit 21.

Accordingly, the operation of separating the drum 20 and the locking element 157 from each other becomes optional, and therefore, the operating efficiency is improved.

In addition, since it is possible to work with a conventional tool 201, such as pliers or tongs, without using a special tool, the operation becomes simple.

In addition, in the case where a small number of drum blocks are disassembled, removal can be carried out manually and even without using a conventional tool.

Therefore, the finger 155 can be pulled out or pushed out of the spherical portion 160.

Due to this, the connecting element 156 can be divided into a rotational force sensing element 150, a pin 155 and a spherical part 160.

In this case, the recesses 151q (151q1-151q8) are provided in positions symmetrical with respect to the axis 151L of the flange 150.

More specifically, a recess 151q1 and a recess 151q5, a recess 151q2 and a recess 151q6, and a recess 151q3 and a recess 151q7, as well as a recess 151q4 and a recess 151q8, respectively, are provided in positions symmetrical about the axis 151L.

Due to this arrangement, when the connecting member 156 is removed from the flange 151, the deformation of the regulating part occurs uniformly with respect to the circumferential direction of the flange 151, and therefore, the deformation of the gear portion 151c (i.e. the gear) can be facilitated.

This also applies if the connecting element 156 is mounted on the flange 151.

The axis 151L is aligned with the axis 20L of the drum 20 and with the axis 20AL of the cylinder 20A of the drum (FIG. 13, FIG. 34). The symbol S denotes a photosensitive layer.

(v) Removing and disassembling connector 156 (3)

Next, another method for removing the connecting member 156 directly from the drum unit 21 will be described. On Fig-27, as well as Fig and 30 presents sections illustrating a method of removing the connecting element 156 directly from the block 21 of the drum. In this case, they are sections along a plane including the axis L151 of the flange 151 and the axis of the pin 155. FIG. 28 is a perspective view for illustrating the state of FIG. 27 in three dimensions. These images will provide a detailed description.

First, the connecting member 156 is rotated relative to the flange 151 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 25 around the center of the spherical portion 160 (tilting of the connecting member). Then reveal the end surface 155a of the finger 155.

After that, the end surface 155a of the finger 155 is pushed toward the end surface 155b in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. More specifically, in a state in which the connecting member 156 is tilted by the tilting step described above, the finger 155, one end and the other end of which protrude from the spherical part 160, is pushed from one end to the other end (finger forced movement step). As described above, friction is generated between the finger 155 and the spherical part 160, and therefore the finger 155 is held, but this finger 155 can be pushed without breaking parts (connecting member 156) by means of a pressing tool 202, such as a screwdriver having a tip. When the end surface 155a is pushed into the vicinity of the surface of the spherical part 160, the end surface 155b of the opposite side changes to a state in which the lumen is maintained relative to the inner surface 151m of the flange 151.

Then, the connecting member 156 is pulled slightly in the direction of the arrow X271 in FIG. Due to this, the spherical part 160 is in contact with the locking part 151i. In addition, the connecting element 156 is rotated in the direction of the arrow X272. Due to this, the side of the end surface 155b becomes open to the outside.

Then, when the connecting member 156 is tilted, the axis L150 and the axis L151 intersect, and the connecting member 156 is rotated about the axis L151 of the flange 151 in FIG. 27 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 28.

Before pushing the end 155a of finger 155, the rotational force transmitting surface 151h (FIG. 13) and the finger 155 are in contact with each other, but the finger 155a is pushed and therefore can rotate without contact with the rotational force transmitting surface 151h. Furthermore, this rotation is not limited at the end 155b, because a gap is provided between the finger 155 and the beveled surface 151n.

The connecting element 156 is rotated to a position in which the end of the finger 155b, as seen in the longitudinal direction, overlaps with the beveled surface 151n of the flange 151 (Fig. 29).

As mentioned above, the part of the finger that protrudes further from the other end part due to the above-described step of forced movement of the finger moves along the beveled surface 151n, which is the second surface of the locking part 151i, which is the regulatory part.

In addition, while holding the driven portion 150a of the rotational force sensing member 150, a force is applied in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 29 corresponding to the rotation direction of the connecting member 156.

When this force is applied, if there is such a positional relationship, the driven portion 150a is the point of application of force, the contact points between the finger 155 and the tapered surface 151n represent the center of the hinge Pl, and the contact area between the spherical part 160 and the locking part 151i represents the point of application.

As shown in FIG. 29, the connecting portion 150c of the rotational force sensing member 150 is long, and the distance between the center of the joint P1 and the point of application is shorter than the distance between the point of application of force and the center P1 of the joint, and so-called “lever rule” works. By increasing this force, the outer dimension D160 of the spherical portion 160 at the point of application is reduced. And the locking part 151i, the opening 151k and the chamfered surface 151n of the flange 151 are deformed outward relative to the radial direction of the axis L151 of the flange 151 (arrow direction in FIG. 24). Due to this, it becomes possible to remove the spherical part 160 (connecting element 156) from the flange 151. The force required at this moment is approximately 8 – l0 kgf (78-98 N).

As described above, a force directed to the center of the hinge is applied at the free end of the connecting member 156 with the center of the hinge in the part of the finger that extends along the beveled surface 151n, so that the connecting member 156 is removed from the flange 151 (removal step of the connecting member).

Using this method, it is possible to remove the connecting element 156 directly from the drum unit 21. Accordingly, the operation of separating the drum 20 and the locking element 157 from each other is optional, and therefore, the operating efficiency is improved. In addition, you can work with the usual tool 202, such as a screwdriver, without using a special tool, and therefore the work becomes much simpler. In addition, the force exerted until the spherical portion 160 (connecting member 156) is separated from the flange 151 (FIG. 30) is small due to the “leverage”.

(vi) Method for reassembling drum unit 21 (1)

The first method is essentially the same as the assembly method of the drum unit 21 described above. In other words, the rotational force sensing element 150 is inserted into the flange 151 and the spherical portion 160 is covered. Then, the rotational force sensing element 150, the spherical element 160 and the pin 155 are connected integrally with the finger 155, and the connecting element 156 is assembled with the flange of the flange 151 (FIG. .fifteen). In addition, the locking element 157 is inserted in the direction of the arrow X4 and fastened to the flange 151 (Fig. 16). Then, the drum 20 and the flange 151 are connected to each other. In conclusion, the drum flange 152 on the non-drive side is attached to the other end portion of the drum 20 (FIG. 18).

In this case, the rotational force sensing element 150 is reused, obtained after disassembling and removed, and the spherical part 160 and the finger 155 can be reused after controlling the degrees of damage and deformation.

(vii) Method for reassembling drum unit 21 (2)

On Fig and Fig presents sections illustrating a method of reassembling the block 21 of the drum in accordance with another embodiment. In this case, FIG. 31 and FIG. 32 are sectional views taken along the line S1-S1 shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 34 is a sectional view illustrating a drum unit 21 according to another embodiment.

First, a description will be made with reference to FIG. In the assembly method described above, the connector 156 is assembled in the flange 151, and in this embodiment, the connector 156 is assembled independently. At the same time, the rotational force sensing element 150 is reused, obtained during disassembly and removed, and the spherical part 160 and the finger 155 can be reused after controlling the degrees of damage and deformation.

In addition, the locking element 156 is attached to the flange 151, and then the drum 20 and the flange 151 are connected to each other. In addition, the drum flange 152 on the non-drive side is attached to the other end part of the drum 20 (Fig. 18, Fig. 34).

In conclusion, the connecting element 156 is pushed in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 31, and the spherical part 160 is brought into contact with the beveled surface 151n, and when the said element is pushed further, the spherical part 160 and the vicinity of the beveled surface 151n of the flange 151, which is the regulating part deforms (see arrow in Fig. 24). Due to this deformation, the spherical part 160 (connecting element 156) can be placed in the recess 151f (Fig.23).

In this case, the ease of achieving deformations of the regulating part 151S (the locking part 151i, the opening 151k, the chamfered surface 15In) of the flange 151 depend on the recess 151q (Fig. 13, Fig. 34), which is outside the radial direction of the drum flange 151, and this simplicity increases with a notch size of 151q. In this embodiment, the dimensional relationships are such that during use, the recess typically serves as a holding (stop) function and it is easy to push the element into it. The regulating part 151S inevitably has a locking part 151i, an opening 151k and a beveled surface 151n. The regulating part 151S may have at least a locking part 151i.

Therefore, when the connecting member 156 is mounted on the flange 151, the spherical part 160 is in contact with the beveled surface 151n, and the center position of the spherical part 160 on the axis of the flange 151 is adjusted. Due to this, the contact state of the spherical part 160 with respect to the beveled surface 151n is uniform. Accordingly, the regulating part 151S is deformed uniformly, and therefore, the spherical part 160 can be smoothly mounted on the flange 151.

Therefore, even if the flange 151 and the spherical portion 160 are made of a polymer material, as in this embodiment, damage can be prevented when they are in contact.

In this embodiment, the connecting element 156 is made of metal, and therefore its strength is high.

However, the position of the center of the spherical portion 160 is set on the axis 151L. Accordingly, the connecting element 156 can be smoothly mounted on the flange 151.

In the spherical part 160, at least the part in contact with the regulating part 151S has a spherical configuration when the connecting element 156 is smoothly mounted on the flange 151.

The finger 155 can be inserted into the spherical portion 160 and the rotational force sensing element 150 without inserting the rotational force sensing element 150 into the flange 151, and therefore, the insertion of the finger 155 is simple. In addition, it is not necessary to install the parts from the side of the locking element 157, and therefore, it can be manufactured as an integral part by molding the flange 151 and the locking element 157 as a whole (integral flange 153), as shown in Fig. 32. Due to this, a simplification of the manufacturing stage and a reduction in the cost of the product are achieved.

(viii) Method for reassembling the photosensitive member unit 50

After this, reassembly of the photosensitive member unit 50 is carried out by a process performed in the reverse order compared to the case of disassembling the photosensitive member unit 50. More specifically, the cleaning knife 52, charging 12 and the drum unit 21 are installed in this order. During the above reassembly, a new product is used, at least as a drum 20.

(ix) A method for disassembling and reassembling a developing device unit 40

33 is a perspective view illustrating a method of disassembling a developing device unit 40. Now, with reference to FIG. 33, a description will be given of a method for disassembling a developing device unit 40.

First, the side covers 55 are removed at opposite longitudinal ends of the developing device unit 40. The side cover 55 is attached to the toner holding chamber 40a by means of fasteners, such as screws not shown, and therefore, by unscrewing them, this cover can be removed from the developing device unit 40. Then, the developing roller block 39 is removed. The developing roller unit 39 is rotatably supported by supporting members 47 provided at opposite ends of the developing roller 41. Each of the upper part and the lower part of the supporting element 47 is provided with two holes 47a that are engaged with the shaft 55 of the side cover 55. Accordingly, when the side covers 55 in both end parts are removed, the developing roller unit 39 can be easily removed from the developing device unit 40. Furthermore, the developing roller unit 39 is provided with a spacer 48 at each end of the developing roller 41 In order to maintain a predetermined gap between the developing roller 41 and the drum 20. In addition, the end of the developing roller 41 is provided with a gear 49 for transmitting rotational force to the developing roller 41 by engagement with the gear 151c of the flange 151. Then, the developing knife 42 is removed. The developing knife 42 attached to the toner holding chamber 40a by screws 59 at its opposite ends together with a cleaning element 38 for performing a cleaning operation while maintaining contact with the end surface of the developing roller 41. Therefore, the developing knife 42 can be removed by Unscrewing both screws 59.

Now the step of refilling the toner will be described. The toner supply hole 37 (FIG. 2, FIG. 33) communicating with the toner supply chamber 44 and the toner chamber is opened by the disassembling step described above. The toner chamber 45 is filled with toner through the toner supply hole 37. Toner filling is carried out by holding the developing device unit 40 so that the toner supply hole 37 is in the upper position and the toner chamber 45 is in the lower position. In this case, a feed means such as a funnel is used and re-filling with toner is carried out by filling it into the toner supply hole 37.

As described above, after refilling with the toner, the assembly 40 of the developing device is assembled. In the case of reassembling the block 40 of the developing device, operations are carried out by carrying out the process in the reverse order to that of the disassembling step described above. More specifically, upon completion of the refilling with toner, a developing knife 42, a developing roller unit 39 and a side cover 55 are installed.

(x) Method for reassembling cartridge 2

The operations are carried out by carrying out the reassembly process in the reverse order compared to the disassembly process of the cartridge 2. More specifically, by means of the connection member 54 (FIG. 3), the photosensitive member unit 50 and the developing device unit 40 are rotatably connected. Finally, in the state in which the compression spring 102 is mounted on the protruding member 101 (FIG. 19), the shaft portion 101a of the protruding member 101 is inserted into the U-shaped support portion 51d of the drum frame 51. Through the above steps, the process of re-manufacturing the cartridge 2 is completed.

In the implementation of the assembly method, the disassembly method, the method of re-manufacturing the process cartridge, different operators can carry out steps simultaneously. In addition, one skilled in the art will be able to appropriately change the order of steps given above or in the claims.

In addition, the assembly, disassembly and re-manufacturing of the process cartridge can be carried out through manual operations, automatic operations using automated machines, as well as through combinations of manual operations and automatic operations. In addition, tools can be used appropriately.

In addition, this embodiment provides for the accumulation and disassembly of used process cartridges. And the parts extracted from the process cartridges by disassembly are assembled to create a stock of the same parts, respectively. Then these parts can be reused, but in some cases a part from among the parts (not reused) cannot be used, and then a new part can be used instead. In addition, in a variation of this embodiment, the process cartridges used are accumulated and disassembled. If a part from the number of parts (not reused) cannot be used, then instead of it you can once again use the reused part from another used cartridge. Therefore, in the claims, the definition of "mentioned or indicated" for elements, parts, parts and devices covers other elements, parts, parts and devices that have the same function as these parts, parts and devices.

As described above, in accordance with the embodiments described above, a process cartridge is provided that is easy to assemble. In addition, a technological cartridge is proposed that is easy to disassemble. In addition, a simple method for re-manufacturing a process cartridge is also proposed. In addition, the proposed method of re-manufacturing, involving the reuse of the process cartridge, the developer of which is used to such an extent that images whose quality satisfies the user are not formed. In addition, you can easily re-fill the developer in the process cartridge, from which the toner has already been used up. The essence of the design of the process cartridge according to the above embodiments can be summarized as follows.

(1) The process cartridge 2, which is removably mounted in the main assembly 1 of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprises a drum 20 of an electrophotographic photosensitive member. And the processing means 12, 41, 52 driven on the drum 20 of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. This cartridge includes a connecting member 156 for receiving a rotational force for rotating the drum 20 of the electrophotographic photosensitive member from the main assembly in a state in which the process cartridge is removably mounted in the main assembly. This connecting element includes a rotational force sensing element 150, which has a rotational force sensing part 150e for receiving rotational force on the free end portion and a spherical part 160 mounted by pass-through with a finger 155 to the rear end part of the rotational force sensing element. In addition, it includes a locking portion 151i, which is a regulating portion extending along the inner peripheral surface of the flange 151, for mounting the connecting member 156 to the drum flange 151 mounted on the drum end of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. The configuration of the locking portion 151i provides a clearance G relative to the spherical portion 160 and closer to the configuration extending over the surface of the spherical portion 160 of the free end portion than a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the drum 20 and which passes through the center of the spherical portion 160.

With this design, a process cartridge is provided that can be easily assembled. In addition, a process cartridge is provided that can be easily disassembled.

More specifically, the connecting member can be removed directly from the electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit 21, and therefore, the operation of separating the drum of the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the rotating member from each other is optional, whereby the operation efficiency is excellent. In addition, disassembly can be carried out using conventional tools, such as pliers and tongs, without using a special tool.

(2) The regulating parts 151S include a first surface 151k (opening) extending from the connecting member 156 to the free end part — relative to the longitudinal direction — from the regulating part 151S.

(3) The regulating parts 151S include a second surface 151n (chamfered surface) folded from the first surface 151k (opening), and this second surface 151n (chamfered surface) extends from the connecting member 156 to the free end portion with respect to the longitudinal direction.

(4) The outer surface that faces the locking portion 151i of the flange 151 is provided with a helical gear 151c, and this helical gear transmits the rotational force received by the coupling member 156 from the main assembly 1 to the developing roller 41.

(5) The spherical portion 160 and the regulating portion 151S are made of a polymer material.

In addition, the essence of the methods of removing the connecting element 156 according to the options for implementation described above can be summarized as follows.

(6) The connecting member 156 is removed from the drum flange 151 mounted on the drum 20 of the electrophotographic photosensitive member used with the process cartridge 2, which is removably mounted to the main assembly 1 of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. In the state in which the process cartridge 2 is installed in the main assembly 1, the connecting member 156 receives a rotational force for rotating the electrophotographic drum member 20 with the photosensitive surface layer from the main assembly 1.

The connecting member 156 has a rotational force sensing element 150, which has a rotational force sensing part 151e for receiving rotational force in the free end portion, as well as a polymer spherical part 160 mounted by pass-through of the finger 155 on the rear end part of the rotational force sensing element. And this connecting element 156 is mounted on the drum flange 151 by the regulating part 151i (locking part), and the configuration of the regulating part 151i (locking part) provides a gap G relative to the spherical part 160 and closer than the plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the drum of the electrophotographic photosensitive element, a flat surface, and which passes through the center of the spherical part 160, to a configuration passing over the surface of the spherical part of the free end part.

(i) The method has a gripping step in which a rotational force sensing member 150 of the connecting member 156 is gripped with a tool 201.

(ii) The method has the step of removing the connecting member, in which a force is applied to the tool 201 directed towards the free end portion — relative to the longitudinal direction — in a state in which the rotational force sensing member is gripped in said gripping step. Due to this, during elastic deformation of the opening 151k of the locking part 151i, which is the polymer regulating part, the beveled surface 151n and the polymer spherical part 160, this polymer spherical part 160 is removed from the regulating part (locking part 151i) made of a polymer material, due to which the connecting element 156 is also removed.

A method is proposed in which the connecting element 156 is mounted on a drum flange, which has a regulating part 151S (locking part 151i, opening 151k, beveled surface 15In) of polymer material provided inside the flange 151 mounted on the end of the photosensitive drum 20. In this case, the regulating part 151S protrudes inwardly - relative to the radial direction - from the flange 151.

The method includes a gripping step in which a rotational force sensing member 150 of the connecting member 156 is captured. The method includes the step of installing the connecting member. At the stage of installation of the connecting element, providing elastic deformation of at least one side of the polymer regulating part 151S of the polymer spherical part 160, this spherical part 160 is pushed inside the regulating part 151S in the direction of the axis 20L of the photosensitive drum 20, as a result of which the connecting element 156 is mounted on the flange 151 In addition, the removal step in which the connecting member 156 is removed from the flange 151 has the following steps. It has a gripping step in which the rotational force sensing member 150 of the connecting member 156 is gripped. It has a releasing step of the connecting member, and in a state in which the rotational force receiving member 150 is gripped by the gripping step, the spherical portion 160 is removed from the adjusting portion 151S, deforming at least one side of the regulating part 151S and the spherical part 160 by applying force towards the free end part, thereby removing the connecting element 156 from the flange 151.

The regulating parts 151S are provided inside the flange 151 together with the interval between them in the circumferential direction of the flange 151. The recess 151f is also provided internally from the flange 151 and is located outside the regulating part 151S in relation to the radial direction of the flange 151. The outer surface of the flange 151 opposite the recess 151f is provided with a part 151c in the form of a gear wheel. A gear-shaped part 151c is provided on the outer surface of the flange 151. This gear-shaped part 151c transfers the rotational force received by the coupling member 156 from the main assembly 1 to the developing roller 41. In accordance with the method of removing this connecting element, the connecting member can be removed the element directly from the electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit, so that the operation of separating the drum of the electrophotographic photosensitive element and the locking element becomes not byazatelnoy. In addition, you can work with a conventional tool, such as pliers and tongs, without using a special tool.

(7) A method is proposed in which the connecting member 156 is removed from the drum flange 151 mounted on the drum 20 of the electrophotographic photosensitive member used with a process cartridge 2 that is removably mounted to the main assembly 1 of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The connecting member 156 receives a rotational force intended to rotate the drum 20 of the electrophotographic photosensitive member from the main assembly 1 in a state in which the process cartridge 2 is removably mounted in the main assembly 1. The connecting member 156 has a rotational force sensing member that has a receiving rotational force is a part for receiving rotational force in the free end part and a spherical part mounted on the rear end part of the receiving rotational system the element due to the through insertion of the finger 155.

(i) The method has a tilting step in which the connecting member 156 is tilted relative to the axis of rotation of the drum flange 151.

(ii) The method has a step of involuntarily moving the finger 155 where the finger is pushed, one and the other ends of the finger protruding from the spherical portion 160 in a state in which the connecting member 156 is tilted by the tilting step.

(iii) The method has the step of advancing the finger, on which a part of the finger is forced, the additional protrusion of which on the other end part is provided due to the stage of forced movement, to advance along the second surface (beveled surface) of the drum flange 151. In this case, the locking part 151i as a regulating part provides a gap G relative to the spherical part 160, and its configuration is closer than the plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 20, and which passes through the center of the spherical part 160, to the configuration passing over the surface spherical part of the free horse part. And this regulating part 151S extends from the locking part 151i and has a first surface 151k (opening) extending from the connecting member 156 to the free end part relative to the longitudinal direction. The second surface 151n (tapered surface) is bent from the first surface 151k (opening) and extends from the connecting element 156 to the free end portion relative to the longitudinal direction.

(iv) The method has the step of removing the connecting member by applying force to a portion of the finger that is on the free end portion of the connecting member 156 and moves along the second surface, whereby the connecting member 156 is removed from the drum flange 151.

According to the method of removing the connecting member according to the embodiments described above, the connecting member can be removed directly from the electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit. Therefore, the operation of separating the electrophotographic element of the photosensitive drum and the locking element is optional, and therefore, the operational disassembly efficiency becomes excellent. In addition, you can work without using special tools, but using an ordinary tool, such as pliers, tongs, etc., and therefore the work is simple. Through the use of leverage, the force required to directly remove the connecting element is small. In addition, the essence of the structures of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit 21 according to the embodiments described above can be summarized as follows.

(8) The drum of the electrophotographic photosensitive member is used in the drum unit 21 of the electrophotographic photosensitive member used with the process cartridge 2, which is removably mounted to the main assembly 1 of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. It has a connecting member 156 for sensing a rotational force for rotating the photosensitive drum 20 from the main assembly 1 in a state in which the process cartridge 2 is removably mounted in the main assembly 1. The connecting member 156 has a rotational force sensing member 150 that has the rotational force sensing part 151e for receiving the rotational force in the free end part and the spherical part 160 installed by the through insertion of the finger 155 on the rear end part its rotational force receiving member 150. This connecting member 156 is mounted on a flange 151 mounted on the end of the photosensitive drum 20 by the regulating portion 151S (retaining portion 151i). An adjustment part 151S (locking part 151i) is provided along the inner peripheral surface of the flange 151 for mounting the connecting member 156 to the flange 151 mounted on the end of the photosensitive drum 20. In addition, the adjustment part 151S (locking part 151i) provides clearance relative to the spherical part, and its the configuration is closer than the plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 20 and which passes through the center of the spherical part 160, to the configuration passing along the surface minute spherical portion 160 of the free end portion 160.

As described above, the structure of the drum unit 21 is as follows. Firstly, the connecting element 156 is mounted on the drum unit 21. And this connecting element 156 has a rotational force sensing element 150, which has a rotational force sensing part 151 e for sensing the rotational force in the free end part, and a spherical part 160 mounted by through-insertion of the finger 155 on the rear end part of the rotational force sensing element 150, in order to rotate the drum 20, said force being received from the main assembly 1 of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The drum unit 21 has a cylinder 20A, which is provided with a photosensitive layer S on the peripheral surface, and a drum flange 151 provided at the end of the cylinder 20A. The drum flange 151 has a regulating part 151S of polymer material that protrudes outward in the radial direction of the drum flange 151 inward from the drum flange 151. The regulating portion 151S prevents the spherical portion 160 from moving in the longitudinal direction of the drum unit 21 when the connecting member 156 is installed. And these regulating portions 151S are circumferentially spaced inside the flange 151. In addition, the drum flange 151 has a recess 151q (151q1-151q8) provided in the regulating part 151S outside the radial direction of the drum flange 151, the recess 151q facilitating or allowing deformation of the regulating part 151S outward relative to the radial direction of the flange 151. Furthermore, the flange 151 has a plurality of rotational force transmitting surface 151h (151hl-151h4) (rotational force transmitting portions) which are provided between the regulating portions 151S, to receive the rotational force from the pin 155.

In addition, the regulating parts 151S of polymer material are provided in the same positions as the gear part 151c relative to the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 20A in the polymer flange 151, and they are spaced in the circumferential direction of the cylinder 20A. In the regulating part 151S, the free end part, relative to the longitudinal direction of the cylinder, protrudes inward with respect to the radial direction of the flange 151. In addition, a recess 151q (151q1-151q8) is provided between the regulating part 151S and the inner surface 151t (Fig. 13, Fig. 34) of the flange 151 relative to the radial direction. And this recess 151q facilitates or allows deformation of the regulating part 151S outward with respect to the radial direction.

In this case, the regulating part 151S is easily deformed outward with respect to the radial direction due to the fact that a recess 151q is provided. In addition, the regulating part 151S, which is deformed, is then restored.

In addition, the position 151r (Fig.13) indicates the connecting part for connecting the regulating part 151S and the inner surface 151t (Fig.13, Fig.34) of the flange 151 with each other. A recess 151q is provided between the connecting parts 151r. In other words, the connecting part 151r and the recess 151q are provided as turns in the circumferential direction of the flange 151. Therefore, the regulating part 151S is easily deformed.

In addition, the connecting element 156 is mounted on the flange 151. The connecting element 156 receives the rotational force transmitted from the main assembly 1 to the flange 1. The connecting element 156 has a rotational force sensing element 150, which has a rotational force sensing part 150e (150el-150e4) for the perception of the rotational force on the free end part and the spherical part 160, installed by passing through the finger on the rear end part of the receiving rotational force element 150. In the state in which the connecting element 156 is mounted on the flange 151, the pin 155 moves in the circumferential direction and the longitudinal direction of the cylinder within the regulating part 151S, and this regulating part 151S is provided in the circumferential direction of the flange 155. In addition, the connecting element 156 is made to rotate relative to the flange 151 in the state , in which the spherical portion 160 moves in the circumferential direction, and is regulated while moving in the longitudinal direction by the regulating portion 151S. More specifically, the connecting element 156 is rotatably mounted on the flange 151 in a state in which the spherical portion 160 moves within the range in which the pin 155 is adjustable when the regulating part 151S moves in the circumferential direction and is regulated when the regulating part 151S moves in the longitudinal direction .

According to the drum unit 21 described above, the removal of the connecting member 156 is simple. According to the drum unit 21 described above, installation of the connecting member 156 is simple.

In accordance with the design of the block 21 of the drum 21, it becomes possible to remove the connecting element 160 directly from the block 21 of the drum, and the operation of separating the drum 20 and the locking element from each other is optional, and therefore the work efficiency is excellent. In addition, since it is possible to work with an ordinary tool, such as pliers, tongs, etc., without using special tools, this benefits the ease of use.

(9) The regulating parts 151S (locking parts 151i) have a first surface 151k (opening) extending from the connecting member 156 to the free end part relative to the longitudinal direction from the locking part 151i as the regulating part 151S.

(10) The regulating parts have a second surface 151n (beveled surface) bent from the first surface 151k (opening) extending from the connecting member 156 to the free end part relative to the longitudinal direction.

(11) The outer surface of the drum flange 151, which faces the locking part 151i, is provided with a helical gear 151c, and this helical gear transmits the rotational force perceived by the coupling member 156 from the main assembly 1 to the developing roller 41.

According to the embodiments described above, it is possible to provide a simple method for removing the connecting member.

According to the embodiments described above, it is possible to provide a simple method for mounting the connecting member.

According to the embodiments described above, it is possible to provide an electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit from which the connecting member can be easily removed.

According to the embodiments described above, it is possible to provide an electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit into which a connecting member can be easily mounted.

Industrial applicability

In accordance with this invention, it is possible to provide a simple way to remove the connecting element.

The present invention can also provide an easy way to install a connecting element.

The present invention can also provide an electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit, the removal of the connecting element from which is simple.

In addition, the present invention can provide an electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit, the installation of the connecting element in which is simple.

Although the invention is described with reference to the constructions disclosed herein, it is not limited to the details described, and this application should be considered to cover such modifications or changes that may fall within the scope of the improvements or scope of the following claims.

Claims (12)

1. Block electrophotographic photosensitive drum containing: (a) a cylinder having a photosensitive layer at its outer periphery; (b) a drum flange provided at one end of said cylinder; (c) a connecting member engaged with said drum flange such that the axis of said connecting element is tilted relative to the axis of said drum flange; and (d) an adjustment part provided on said drum flange so as to prevent said connecting element from releasing to said drum flange, wherein at least one element of said connecting element and said regulatory part is deformed to allow said connecting element to be coupled to said drum flange or to be unfastened. 2. The block according to claim 1, wherein said drum flange includes a plurality of protrusions provided inside said drum flange and protruding radially into said drum flange with a diametrical cavity between said protrusions, wherein each of said protrusions is provided with a recess to facilitate deformation of said protrusions. 3. The block according to claim 2, in which the plot of each protrusion has an overhanging part. 4. The block according to claim 2, in which another cavity is formed between the protrusions along the peripheral direction of said drum flange. 5. The block according to claim 4, in which many such recesses are provided with gaps in the peripheral direction. 6. The block according to claim 2, further comprising a gear portion provided along an outer surface of said drum flange, wherein said protrusions are provided in the same position as the gear portion relative to the longitudinal direction of said cylinder. 7. The block according to claim 1, wherein said drum flange is made of resin.

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